the economy in the united states shrink at the end of last year according to the commerce department. first slow down since the recession ended more than three years ago. economists say they don't think this means we are headed for another recession. wendell goler is live at the white house. it was a small drop today, but it did raise a lot of eyebrows, initially. >> well, you are right, shepard. the strongest quarter of the year was followed by a negative one. the slide blamed on dwindling exports, slow growth in company stocks and biggest decline in defense spending in 40 years. the economy went from 3.1% growth from july through september to a minus tenth of a percent last three months of the year. the white house both down played the decline and put part of the blame on republicans. >> home prices are starting to climb back. consumer confidence overall has been rising and consumer spending has been rising. there is more work to do and our economy is facing a major head wind which goes to your point. that's republicans in congress. >> south dakota republican john thune disagreed tw